Tex-Mex Bake
A flavorful Tex-Mex casserole featuring crunchy corn chips, seasoned ground beef, green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner with bold, savory flavors that appeal to fans of Mexican-inspired dishes and easy-to-make family favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed Frito corn chips ⓘ
- 1 large egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 pound ground chuck ⓘ
- 4 ounces green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated ⓘ
- 8 ounces seasoned Italian tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 jar hot salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine crushed Frito corn chips, water, and beaten egg; press mixture into a 9-inch pie plate or casserole dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, green chilies, and seasoned Italian tomato sauce to the beef; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Spread the beef mixture over the baked corn chip crust.
- Sprinkle grated Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with hot salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier salsa. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or black beans. You can also use crushed tortilla chips instead of Frito corn chips for a different texture. Make sure to drain the green chilies well to avoid excess moisture in your bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tex-Mex Bake with a side of fresh avocado slices or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with hot salsa for an extra layer of flavor. If you're hosting a gathering, consider serving it alongside Taco Salad (Great For Get-Togethers) to offer your guests a variety of options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven will help keep the crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Bake contains roughly 736 calories, with 24g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and crust ahead of time. Assemble the bake and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to bake it fresh. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
What can I substitute for the Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use cheddar or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Both will melt well and provide a delicious flavor to the dish. Feel free to mix cheeses for a unique taste.
Can I freeze Tex-Mex Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the bake, then cover tightly and freeze before baking. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option anytime.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).